Today we’d like to introduce you to Afzal Kaba
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Afzal, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of invaluable experience in the Food and Beverage industry, has showcased managerial excellence that resonates globally. From India and the UK to Africa, the Middle East, and America, Afzal has successfully managed award-winning bars, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
With a degree in hospitality management from London, Afzal’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through his qualification as an educator for WSET UK. His talent extends beyond industry experience, as highlighted by triumphs in prestigious bar competitions like the MMI Mixology competition, The Havana Club Master Bartender competition, and Emirates ELR competition in Dubai.
Afzal’s expertise in spices, Indian ingredients, and flavors is unparalleled. Through hand-selecting quality ingredients that support local communities, he brings industry benchmarking cocktail concepts and signature serves to the Musaafer menu. His in-depth understanding of Indian culture gives him the edge to create a fun and experiential menu, exemplified by cocktails like The Kohinoor, Paan Negroni, and Pumpkin Spice Kappi. The innovative concept, “The Beekeeper,” is a collaboration with a Houston Beekeeper, featuring cocktails representing different neighborhoods and served in four unique ways.
As a passionate advocate for sharing knowledge, Afzal has trained bartenders throughout his career. Beyond bartending, he has curated luxurious beverage experiences for renowned Michelin-Starred Chefs and ultra-luxury events, collaborating with Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef Thevar, Chef Yvesmattagne, and receiving the Forbes India Leadership Award in 2023.
Afzal’s creative prowess shines through in the 150+ signature serves crafted for prestigious brands like Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, Ciroc, Tanqueray, Don Julio, Baileys, Singleton, Talikser, Nestle coffee, and Monin. He has served an illustrious clientele, including Taj, ITC, Hyatt, JW Marriotts, Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Impresario, Massive group, Mercedes, BMW, and acclaimed fashion designers Shantu & Nikhil.
Leading the Top Bar Academy for eight years, Afzal elevated the standards of bartending and mixology in India. His expertise and reputation led to invitations to judge prestigious cocktail competitions, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry.
In conclusion, Afzal’s remarkable career journey showcases extensive experience, a diverse skill set, and unwavering dedication to the F&B industry. His expertise, recognized through numerous awards, achievements, and influential collaborations, has left an indelible mark on luxurious brands, large-scale events, and professionals he has mentored throughout the years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road wasn’t smooth at all. I had to learn everything from scratch – from speaking English to understanding how a restaurant and bar operate. Before taking this job, I had only eaten in a restaurant once and had no idea what I wanted to do. My original dream was to become a fashion designer, but that path never materialized.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been full of growth. I started as a server assistant, completely unsure of my role. I was placed behind the coffee counter to focus on one skill, and I mastered coffee. From there, I became interested in the bar, but without formal training, finding a bar job was nearly impossible.
Persistence paid off when I found work as a bartender in a nightclub. That experience helped me land a role at Hard Rock Café in Mumbai, where cocktail culture was on the rise. Unfortunately, it closed soon after, so I sought opportunities abroad.
In Dubai, I worked under world-class talents like Francesco Leoni, Rebecca Stuart, and Nick Hancock. This experience transformed me, and I soon became the #1 bartender in Dubai, winning bartending competitions and contributing to our bar being named Best Bar twice.
I later moved to Kenya, joining a venue that had been open for three months. The team was highly motivated, and I created a cocktail menu that became a hit. Eventually, I returned to India and later moved to the U.S., where I’ve been thriving at Musaafer. It’s been a long, challenging journey, but every step has been worth it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Favorite book: Rich dad poor dad and Liquid intelligence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourcocktailstudio
Image Credits
Haroldo for the one in white and Raydon for the one in black
